SriLankan Airport & Ground Services (SLAGS) functions as the ground handling division serving Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, and Mattala International Airport. The organization delivers comprehensive, safe, and efficient ground handling services to SriLankan Airlines as well as other commercial airlines operating arrivals and departures in Sri Lanka.
With over 40 years of industry experience, SLAGS has built a strong reputation for operational excellence, consistently prioritizing safety and security across all its services.
Adhering to internationally recognized safety and service standards, SLAGS plays a vital role in supporting efficient airport operations. The organization has been awarded the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification, further reinforcing its commitment to global safety benchmarks.
As a trusted ground handling partner at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, and Mattala International Airport, SLAGS provides both passenger services and ramp services for aircraft operating at these airports. Its contribution has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of air travel in Sri Lanka.
Over the years, SLAGS has also produced numerous aviation industry professionals who now hold senior positions at airports and airlines around the world, highlighting its contribution to global aviation expertise.
Role in the Sri Lankan Aviation Industry
SriLankan Airport & Ground Services plays a central role within Sri Lanka’s aviation industry. As the leading ground handling service provider at the country’s major international airports, SLAGS offers services to all categories of aircraft, including full-service carriers, low-cost carriers, and aircraft operating special flights.
In carrying out its operations, SLAGS works closely with various stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s aviation sector, including airport authorities, regulatory bodies, and other service providers. This collaborative approach ensures efficient and uninterrupted service delivery, even during peak operational periods and times when regular operations are not in progress.
Operational Statistics – Bandaranaike International Airport
At Bandaranaike International Airport, SLAGS manages significant operational volumes:
- Average number of aircraft handled per month: 5,200
- Average number of baggage handled per month: 500,000
- Total number of passengers handled in 2025: 9.9 million
These figures reflect the scale and capacity of SLAGS’ operations at Sri Lanka’s primary international gateway.
Service Portfolio
SriLankan Airport & Ground Services offers a comprehensive range of ground handling solutions tailored to meet the operational and service requirements of all airlines operating into Sri Lanka.
- Passenger Services
- Check-in and boarding
- Transfer passenger services
- Arrival and departure assistance
- Services for special passengers
- Support Services
- Baggage and cargo loading and unloading
- Load control and weight and balance management
- Pushback and towing coordination
- Ground operations machinery management
- Maintenance and repair of ground operations support machinery
- Safety, Quality and Compliance
Safety remains a top priority in all SLAGS operations. As an ISAGO-certified service provider, SLAGS maintains a strong corporate safety culture through comprehensive staff training, strict adherence to ICAO, IATA, and local regulatory requirements, and continuous risk mitigation measures.
Its experienced workforce, including both frontline personnel and support teams delivering passenger services, is well trained to maintain the highest standards of service during routine operations as well as special operational circumstances.
Connecting Sri Lanka to the World
SriLankan Airport & Ground Services makes a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s air connectivity, tourism, and commerce. Through highly efficient ground handling and passenger services, SLAGS ensures that visitors to Sri Lanka experience smooth and pleasant arrival and departure processes.
At the same time, the organization provides reliable and flexible operational support to the airlines it serves, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in global aviation.
